Cuban Mojo Chicken is a tasty dish marinated in a zesty mixture of citrus juices and garlic. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for your next family dinner!
This chicken is so good, you might find yourself dancing in the kitchen as you cook! I love serving it with rice and beans for a complete meal that everyone enjoys.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Leg Quarters: These cuts are juicy and flavorful, perfect for marinating. You can substitute with thighs for a leaner option or drumsticks for a fun finger-food dinner. Go with whatever you can find!
Fresh Citrus Juices: Orange and lime juice bring brightness. Freshly squeezed is best, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the sweetness levels in bottled options!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can work, but you’ll need much less—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Spices: The blend of cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika adds depth. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika works too; just note it won’t have that smoky taste.
Olive Oil: This is crucial for marinating and roasting. You can use avocado oil or even melted coconut oil as alternatives, but olive oil has a nice flavor that complements the dish well.
How Do You Get the Most Flavor Out of Your Chicken?
The key to super flavorful chicken is the marinade! Start by mixing all the liquid ingredients—orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil—with your fresh garlic and spices. Let the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best to let those flavors really penetrate.
- Whisk together your marinade well so that the spices are evenly integrated.
- Coat each piece of chicken generously. It’s helpful to turn them a few times so every inch gets that delicious marinade.
- Don’t rush the marinating process; the longer, the better—just remember to keep it in the fridge!
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken leg quarters (or thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll want to let it marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor!). Then, it spends about 45-50 minutes baking. So, you can have a flavorful meal ready in a little over 3 hours, most of which is hands-off time for marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, orange zest, lime zest, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to combine everything nicely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add your chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or go ahead and let it sit overnight if you can!
3. Prepare for Baking:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking sheet or roasting pan and spread the sliced onion and bell pepper evenly across the bottom. This will create a flavorful bed for your chicken to sit on.
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the marinated chicken pieces right on top of the sliced veggies. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. To add a nice touch, arrange the orange and lime slices around the chicken.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to keep it juicy. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with extra citrus slices for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or even use boneless chicken pieces if that’s what you have. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly; keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juices?
If fresh citrus juices aren’t available, you can use bottled juice, but try to choose 100% juice without added sugar or preservatives for the best flavor. Additionally, you may want to add a little zest from the fruit if you can, to enhance the freshness of the marinade.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Definitely! While marinating for at least 2 hours is great, you can safely marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be cautious not to marinate for too long, as citrus can begin to “cook” the meat and change its texture if left too long.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Cuban Mojo Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through, making sure to include any leftover juices to keep it moist.
